Joy burst through him, wild and unfettered. In that moment, he wasn't the ancient prince, the authoritarian diplomat who'd maintained rigid control for centuries. Her certainty, her acceptance, her love shattered every barrier he'd built around his heart. The hand at her cheek slid into her hair as he bent toward her, drawn by a force as inevitable as gravity.
"My Chosen," he breathed against her lips, the words carrying centuries of longing. The ancient language of the Djinn rose unbidden in his mind, words of power and binding that had waited millennia to be spoken. "My heart."
When their lips met, she responded with a passion that stole his breath. Her lips were soft beneath his, yielding yet demanding as she pressed closer. The small gasp she made when he deepened the kiss sent fire racing through his veins. Her hands slid up his chest to tangle in his hair, and the gesture was so trusting, so intimate, it made his heart stutter.
Their magic exploded around them, but he barely noticed the display. All his focus narrowed to the woman in his arms – the way she trembled against him, the sweet taste of her mouth, the soft curves of her body fitting perfectly against his. When she made that small sound in the back of her throat, somewhere between a whimper and a sigh, his careful control shattered completely.
Their combined fire painted the marble walls in swirling patterns of blue and gold, marking his tower with the signature of their bond. Her soul reached for his across the vastness of magic and time, all her memories, hopes, and dreams flowing into him. But it was the way she kissed him back, with complete abandon and absolute trust, that truly undid him. After centuries of maintaining rigid control, of being the stern Council prince, he found himself lost in the sweetness of her surrender and the fierce joy of her acceptance.
The ancient texts spoke of Chosen bonds as sacred, transformative experiences. Yet none had captured this – the way time seemed to stop, the way reality narrowed to this single perfect moment. Every lonely century, every careful diplomatic meeting, every solitary night, had led him here, to her.
When they finally parted, he rested his forehead against hers, unable to contain the glow of his eyes or the smile that transformed his features. His tower hummed with their combined power, forever changed by what had transpired within its walls. "Welcome home, my love."
Her answering smile lit up his world. "Home," she agreed softly. "At last."
Chapter
Thirty-Three
Kieran's silver-blueeyes held a hint of excitement that made Mandy's heart skip. "There's something I want to show you," he said, his deep voice carrying an unusual note of anticipation.
Before she could respond, the familiar sensation of magical transportation wrapped around her. The marble halls of his tower dissolved, reforming into the cream-colored walls of the Airbnb where she'd stayed after her first wish. The same Southwestern decor welcomed her, the soft red tiles cool beneath her feet.
"Why are we here?" Mandy asked, but Kieran merely smiled that rare, transformative smile and guided her into the living room.
Mandy's jaw dropped as she took in the enormous floor-to-ceiling cat tree dominating the corner of the living room. The structure was a masterpiece of feline architecture, with multiple platforms, enclosed spaces, and scratching posts woven together in an elegant design that complemented the room's Southwestern aesthetic.
"Oh my goodness," she breathed, stepping closer to examine the intricate details. Sisal-wrapped poles alternated with plush carpeted surfaces in desert tones of cream and terra cotta. Cozycaves beckoned at various heights, while wide platforms offered perfect sunbathing spots beneath the windows.
Through the glass doors, she spotted more cat-friendly additions in the courtyard - climbing structures artfully arranged among the desert plants, creating a safe outdoor paradise for her feline companions.
Kieran's hand closed about hers, and he led her to the study. There, positioned perfectly beside the desk, stood a smaller but equally well-crafted cat tree. This one seemed designed for companionship while working, with comfortable perches at both chair and standing height.
"You noticed," she whispered, touching one of the plush platforms. "You noticed how they always want to be near me when I'm writing."
"Of course I noticed." Kieran's deep voice carried a gentle warmth that made Mandy's heart flutter. His strong hands enfolded hers, the familiar touch sending tingles of awareness through her entire body. "I notice everything about you."
His silver-blue eyes held hers as his thumbs traced soothing patterns across her palms. "This house is ours now - yours and mine. While you still walk in the mortal realm, this will be our home."
Mandy's throat tightened with emotion as she looked around the beautiful space. Everything she loved about the Airbnb was still there - the cream walls, the soft red tiles, the perfect mix of modern comfort and Southwestern charm. But now it held so much more. The cat trees weren't just furniture; they were physical proof of Kieran's attention to detail, his understanding of what mattered to her.
She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came. How could she possibly express the wonder filling her heart? This wasn't just a house - it was a promise, a future, a dream she hadn't dared to imagine becoming reality.
Tears of happiness spilled down her cheeks as she squeezed Kieran's hands, hoping he could feel everything she couldn't say.
Mandy's heart felt ready to burst, overflowing with joy as she gazed into Kieran's silver-blue eyes. The words she'd held back for so long tumbled from her lips.
"I love you." Her voice trembled with the intensity of emotion behind those three simple words.
Kieran's arms tightened around her. "I could not let you go." His deep voice resonated through her, but he fell silent after that declaration.
Mandy waited, watching emotions flicker across his usually stern features. When he remained quiet, she took a step back, disentangling herself from his embrace. Folding her arms across her chest, she tapped her foot against the soft red tiles. One eyebrow arched upward - she'd been practicing that particular expression for weeks.
A pained look crossed Kieran's face. "You're going to make me say the words, aren't you?"
Her other eyebrow joined the first as she continued tapping her foot, fighting to keep her expression stern despite the bubble of laughter threatening to escape.
Kieran heaved a dramatic sigh, as if she'd asked him to move mountains rather than speak three simple words. "I love you, Amanda Dupont."
